Tag Archives: Castle College

November 24, 2010

Bad news for The Meadows in Nottingham

By Tim GARRATT

Yesterday it was announced that the long term scheme to redevelop The Meadows in Nottingham had come off the rails.
The Department for Communities and Local Government said it will now only fund housing PFI schemes that are under contract. And Nottingham isn’t.

Avant guard architecture in the Meadows courtesy Julian Marsh

Back in 2009 Nottingham City Council had a £200m PFI credit approved for the scheme – but had to prepare a Business Case. It seems that the Business Case has fallen at the next hurdle. In the post Comprehensive Spending Review, perhaps this is not surprising.

It is not good for The Meadows though – which needs some intervention. The scheme I saw involved redesigning Street layouts and replacing some of the poorer quality housing with new family stock. One of my clients Blueprint has an excellent scheme there and I blogged previously about Julian Marsh’s excellent home – pictured above. Both of these developments really were catalysts to the wider regeneration project.

It was a very long term plan – and one that I am sure will be revisited in less austere times.

As I heard this news I was actually in Derby for the launch of Derby’s £10m regeneration fund. It was launched at Derby College’s Roundhouse Scheme. I had never been inside – but had seen some images as the building has won various awards – regionally and nationally. And it is not difficult to see why. It is a fantastic regeneration scheme – bringing old disused railway buildings back into use. The treatment of the buildings is just brilliant. I loved it.

I was thinking of the lost opportunity in Nottingham at Castle College on Maid Marian Way – which I remain involved in. We missed the window of opportunity from the then LSC. It was no one’s fault – although the Nottingham Planners could have been more helpful. But the point is that this was a missed opportunity.

The lessons are easy afterwards – grab the money when you can – and make sure the processes are not lengthy! I am not suggesting the Meadows Team could have gone quicker – they probably couldn’t, but these slugs of cash are only going to be there for the short term at the moment. Sadly, it looks like Nottingham has missed out – again….

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May 26, 2010

Nottingham and the new Government

By Tim GARRATT

I blogged a few days ago about the new Government and in particular that impact on property.

Castle College Nottingham

As more news has emerged over the weekend, it seems that two local employers may also be hit.

I think we had known that our RDA, emda were at risk as the Tories had always stated that the work they did could be done by the town halls. But the National College for School Leadership might also be at risk – the latter costs £105m p.a. to run. The writing might be on the wall as their web-site announces “A new UK Government took office on 11th May. As a result the content on this site might not reflect current Government Policy”.

I have had many dealings with emda and have to say that I think that the Government is wrong. They have a valuable place in the local economy and have had a real impact on our locality. I had first hand experience of their impact when the Highfields Automotive and Engineering Academy (owned by Castle College) was built. emda provided a significant grant to make the facility happen. It did create real jobs and attracted Toyota to Nottingham. It is said for every £1 it spends £9 gets added to the local economy – and in 2008-9 some 2,630 jobs were created or safeguarded in the region.

I also had dealings with the National College when it was built in 2000. I haven’t been involved since, but in theory it was a laudable idea – getting a National high quality service operating – maintaining a consistent standard in a purpose built property. My issue with the building at the time was the amount spent on it – which was, as I recall, one of the most expensive education buildings ever constructed in Nottingham – over 50% more than anything else!

What happens next will no doubt unfold, but the loss of these two institutions will not be great for Nottingham…

And sometimes the maxim, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” would seem to be quite appropriate?

5 comments   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Business, Nottingham

March 9, 2010

Teaching Sustainability?

By Tim GARRATT

A couple of years ago I gave some advice to Castle College in Nottingham about a potential new teaching Centre.

Smartlife Centre Hamburg

The idea was to add to an existing teaching set of courses. The College had (and still have) popular courses in building – bricklaying, plastering, plumbing etc.

As the College were becoming involved in new builds at Highfields Science Park and the main Centre in Chilwell we started to think about how the College could learn from these real life projects. The College always make sure that any building contracts have an ability for their own students to see progress formally during the build.

We also started to see in increase in the use of new technology for carbon reduction. We were being encouraged to look at Photo-Voltaic cells, Ground Source Heat Pumps, high levels of insulation, double and triple glazing, rainwater harvesting, biomass boilers and the like. But what was evident was that although these new technologies were being specified by Architects, the operatives fitting them were often struggling. Or you had to employ specialist sub-contactors (some of whom travelled miles thus negating some of the green credentials?).

We went to see two Smartlife centres -one in Malmo, the other in Hamburg. These centres were way ahead of the UK – and were brilliant showcases for some of the technology.

I was delighted to see that a Centre in the UK has been opened. It has been built by Wolseley – the worlds largest heating and plumbing supplier. It is known as the Sustainable Building Centre. It is a showcase for around 170 products – with information on a total of 7,000 – all under one roof.

Like the Genesis Project in Taunton, the centre uses the technology in it’s own construction. But there is a subtle difference. I visited Taunton and we saw quite specialised construction – including rammed earth and straw bales. This hasn’t found its way in to the Wolseley centre – it isn’t scalable enough to be distributed.

So, although the centre is pushing new technology – it is with a very close eye on commerciality. And for this reason, I think it an excellent project. Sometimes, I think we fall too easily for the green technology on the basis that it sounds sexy. The reality is that some of it is not really commercially viable – payback times can sometimes go beyond the life of the building!

In a recent report to Government the easiest and cheapest way of achieving a substantial CO2 reduction was highlighted as turning down room thermostats by 1 deg C. This is estimated to reduce, in the UK, emissions by 5.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually!

Sadly, the LSC funding for College schemes like the Sustainable Building Project pretty much dried up before we were able to get a centre built in Nottingham. Maybe one day someone will realise we need this sort of centre – for future builders!

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December 31, 2009

2009 – a year in review

By Tim GARRATT

I think as you get older the years just seem to fly by much quicker. But looking back on 2009 as the year draws to a close, I tried to think through the highs and lows of the year. On reflection, many more highs than lows I think. Which can only be a good thing! So here goes:

High Points

1. A great weekend in September at St Andrews celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We stayed in an amazing hotel overlooking the 18th hole at the Old Course. Where did 25 years go? St Andrews is a magical place – I can’t believe we had not discovered it earlier. It helps if you like golf…

St Andrews - and the 18th hole on the Old Course

2. Our son Jack getting 8 GCSE’s and a place at Confetti. This despite his Dyslexia. And then Jade getting a hard-earned place at TeachFirst and working in two challenging schools. Adam worked on another film – the details of which I will spare you, but if I said it was an NHS Information film – that’s enough of a clue!

Jack, Jade and Adam - in the Summer.

3. Lesley and I seeing The Killers at Madison Square Garden (New York) in January. Quite a long way to go to see a gig but they were just brilliant – and then we came home and saw them again at The Arena in Nottingham. Musically the Isle of Wight featured in the calendar again – and was great – especially the infamous toilets & showers… I wasn’t sure about Neil Young though!

The Killers play Madison Square Garden NYC

4. The opening of the Abel Collins ‘Drury Bungalows’ in November – at the end of a three year stint! I think they are great and four couples will move in shortly! The Sheriff of Nottingham and his Lady did us proud on the day – and I think the bungalows are brilliant! Designed by Marsh Grochowski they are ‘of their time’! High green credentials make them highly energy efficient.

The Abel Collins Almshouses - Drury Bungalows

5. My trip with the Sheriff of Nottingham to the USA in September – to research World Class attractions. We visited six cities in 10 days, flying 12,500 miles. It was exhausting but informative – and there was some fun along the way. Highlights – Segway riding, The Experience Music Project in Seattle, Getty Museum in LA, Alcatraz, The High Line in New York and Little Boots in concert – and much more!

The USA tour team - at Top of the Rocks NYC

6. Seeing Jack play his first gig as part of the Hockley Hustle 2009. They were great (I may be a bit biased). That all of their friends turned up was just great to see.

Jack playing drums in his first gig

7. A great holiday in Dartmouth – including an interesting two days sailing – more so for me than Jack – who was none too well! It may have been something he ate – or could it have been the force 7/8 gale?

Dartmouth

Dartmouth Harbour

8. The celebrations in Paris for our friends John & Denise celebrating their 50th birthdays! They are getting old and I am one of the babies of the group. Good to see the gang growing old disgracefully – long may it continue.

The NHR gang do Paris in the Spring!

Low Points

Seeing Nick Hammond and Nick Lewis leave Castle College – both loyal clients over 17 years, but also really nice people & people I regard as friends. I do expect both of them to make returns in 2010!

Nick Hammond in LA (on the right.. in case you wondered)

And that’s it. I wonder what 2010 will bring – hopefully the same split again – or preferably no low points. But already things to look forward to – Minsk in January?, Skiing in February, MIPIM in March and at some point New York (again). I have also agreed to help the Bromley House Library look at the possibility of building an extension / upgrading the wonderful facilities they have!

Lots to look forward to then…. Happy New Year!!

1 comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Business, MIPIM 2010, Nottingham, Robin Hood

December 30, 2009

A right mess at Trinity Square Nottingham

By Tim GARRATT

I wrote a previous blog about Planning in Nottingham and the changes about to be put in place.

The front part of Trinity Square!


But a new development has taken place – both the leader of the Council, Jon Collins and the developer, Bob Monk have both broken cover to say how they dislike the Trinity Square scheme in Nottingham. It was completed in the summer, but is not yet fully let.

I have to say that the rear part of it – facing the Cornerhouse – is pretty awful. Once again, we have been sucked into fashionable architectural features. This time a ‘square’. But did we need a square in this location? We have plenty of open space outside the Council House! Part of our history and uniqueness is in the myriad of passages and alleyways around the town, but we seem to have become obsessed with ‘squares’. The relatively weak market hasn’t helped with the vacant shops still boarded up. When the development was started I guess that there was a confidence around the scheme.

And the not so pretty back bit!


Bob Monk complains about design by committee and this is what has happened previously in Nottingham; it happened on the Castle College Maid Marian Way scheme (where I was directly involved). Unfortunately despite many meetings that you have with officers on a major scheme – the actual decisions are made by Politicians. Despite the fact that Planning should be decided on Planning Grounds – the decisions can be politically motivated.

The other major issue is that there is a disconnect between the commercial reality and the planning system. Major applications take too long – as has been seen here the market has completely changed during the build period. Unfortunately the ‘process’ is slow and unresponsive. At Castle College it took 18 months from our initial approach to actually getting a resolution to grant consent (in technical terms this is not actually planning permission! – there is still work to do).

Bob Monk would have spent a considerable sum by the time he got consent (even the compromised one). It is likely that the market was moving away and he had little choice than to press the ‘go’ button on the scheme – even though he had concerns.

Many years ago I was told not to go to a Planning Committee meeting by a well respected Planning Consultant. I went anyway – and was appalled to hear some of the wildly inaccurate comments made (it wasn’t the City on this occasion). My frustration was that you have no right of reply. Some of the comments were just political drivel.

But what we need to do here is support the work Jennifer Dearing is doing to improve the Planning system in Nottingham. Councillors on the Committee have their part to play too. The impression I have is that there is a realisation that it needs to change – we have had a few years in the wilderness without a Chief Planning Officer. That has not helped.

And in the meantime – if someone does have a good idea to improve Trinity Square I think Bob Monk and Jon Collins might like to hear from you! Just in case you wondered – a tennis court isn’t a good idea …

1 comment   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Business, Nottingham

December 14, 2009

Nottingham – Planning for the future

By Tim GARRATT

Last week I was invited to attend a breakfast presentation to see what the City Council had learned from the review undertaken of its Planning Service by Addison Associates.

EMP Seattle - would you get Planning Permission for this on Maid Marian Way? Thought not!


I was consulted earlier in the year – partly as a result of my involvement in the Castle College planning application for the rebuilding of the maid Marian Way campus. I won’t dwell on that process, but it was the 9th scheme that went before the Committee – with an Officer Recommendation, only to be adjourned. We did get the consent, but in reality had missed the window of opportunity. Subsequently the LSC funding debacle cost more than the scheme – it had a human cost too.

Jennifer Dearing is the interim Director of Planning – for a six month period. Her primary role as she explained was to push through the changes and improvements highlighted in the review. In fairness Jennifer started the presentation by listing some of the good things about the Planning Team – it wasn’t all bad! Nottingham lead the way on Transportation and produce some excellent written reports. But she did acknowledge that there was a lot to be done – partly as a result of a theme which came from the consultation:

Nottingham is less easy to do development in than other UK cities

Sadly I think this is true. It is difficult to highlight exactly why – but we do seem to get hung up on all manner of minutiae. To some extent Nottingham Castle causes as many issues for development as it benefits the City in tourism (if it does?). We shy away from tall buildings, but I am not sure why. We have critical views lines – from bizarre points (Musters Road West Bridgford?). We have to respect heritage – but I am not convinced we have a consistent approach – viz. The Nottingham Contemporary.

The positive news is that Jennifer is setting about trying to change all of this – and this must be welcomed. Jennifer has said, “Are we going to be a city famed for its modern, high quality architecture or a city well known for keeping the scale of development in keeping and in character with a much more human scale.”

Although not drawn on the answer this question is critical. I know what i think!

But we might also see the introduction of Planning Performance Agreements for large scale developments – which should be welcomed. These can give the Applicants an amount of certainty in the process.

I look forward to the new look Planning Service – Nottingham needs it to compete on the world stage. And we need to tell everyone too that there is a new broom sweeping clean – so that the people with bad past experiences might come back and give Nottingham a second chance!

Nottingham is a brilliant place – but could be better. The Planners have a critical part to play in our future… But so do the members of the Planning Committee!

My suggestion about making Nottingham the Friendliest Place in the World runs deep into the corridors of the Planning Department!

1 comment   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Business, Nottingham

October 16, 2009

The Sheriff’s Commission 16th October

By Tim GARRATT

We had the second meeting of the Sheriff’s Commission today at the Council House.

I was asked to present the findings of the USA trip – 10 days condensed into 10 minutes. I failed! It took me about 20 minutes…

My methodology was to steal Daniel Libeskinds ideas about his 17 words he uses to describe his architecture on TED. I produced my own 17 words which I felt had a theme across the attractions we saw.

They are:

17 words

If Nottingham is to have a world class attraction it needs to get some of these features into the offer.

The presentation does have some images and I will get these converted so that the whole presentation can be seen, but the words should be self-explanatory.

The formal report is now to be written by Nick Hammond from Castle College and myself. But our conclusion is that:

1. There is an economic case for an attraction – and we should be able to get 1m visitors a year
2. The attraction needs to take in a Shire based offer – but be centred on the Castle, ideally
3. The benchmark for a world class attraction can usefully be drawn from the words above

We really do need to aim high!

1 comment   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Nottingham, Robin Hood

October 3, 2009

Carbon Reduction – changing behaviour

By Tim GARRATT

Most people who know me would suggest that I am not the most ‘green’ person on the planet– primarily attributable to the car I drive. I make no apology about this – I like fast cars and I can’t afford a Tesla!

But the label I attract is a little unfair as I do try to do my bit. Honest

I have some issues about the statistical ‘evidence’ we are given. If you Google ‘green issues’ and try to establish where Co2 emissions come from you get very different answers.

It does seem to be fairly well established that Buildings account for half of all carbon emissions. Whereas only 2% comes from planes. So flying is ok then? And my car is much smaller than a plane…

Lies lies and statistics? But buildings and their energy consumption come high up the tree on most of the surveys.

But there is another reason to look at carbon footprint. Reducing the carbon output of a building normally has a direct correlation with costs. One of my clients pays over £1m per year on his electricity / gas. What was interesting was that he can negotiate the best rates (being a large user) but much of the use is out of his hands. People leave lights on!

What is needed is a change of behaviour.

One of my friends, Ben Randal, is running a company in Nottingham who are concentrating on just that. It is a start up company based at BioCity.

Outerarc have developed some clever software which allows measurement in real time of energy usage and then displays the information graphically. The really clever bit though is that the system then can make recommendations – and ‘nudge’ users into changing behaviour.

Outerarc display - Castle College

Outerarc display - Castle College

There is a great video on Ben’s website – click on Carbon Cup TV

No.1 NSP and The Highfields Automotive and Engineering Training Centre

No.1 NSP and The Highfields Automotive and Engineering Training Centre

Real time measurement is already in place at two buildings I manage – No1 NSP and Castle College’s Highfields Automotive and Engineering Training Centre – where the Toyota Academy is based.

It is early days but the systems are generating a lot of interest – and hopefully we can demonstrate cost savings and a carbon reduction.

Not sure I need Ben to put his system in my car just yet!

2 comments   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Green stuff, Nottingham

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